Oakcrest Tavern — Restaurant in Madison

Our first visit to Oakcrest Tavern. The burgers and onion rings were outstanding. The sweet potato fries were the best we've ever had. The tavern was full of people, lots of chatter, conversation between tables, even a cribbage game. It was exactly what we hoped for ... except it was very cold. From the outside, it looked like a warm, cozy place. When we walked in, the atmosphere suggested a warm, cozy place. I had to go back to the car and get my jacket. I truly hope this was an anomoly, maybe the furnace was on the fritz that day. We'll go back for sure, but if it's always cold we'll find a new spot.

Today, 12/16/23, we were back at The Oakcrest Tavern for the 5th or 6th time. The atmosphere and food were just as wonderful as the every other time. But today Cait (our server) took it to a whole new level. Cait was happy, friendly, and attentive. She won our hearts when we asked her for some additional condiments and, because the restaurant was very busy, she ASKED if it be OK for her to take the order from the table behind us and then bring us what we had requested. 99 of 100 servers would have just done it. Cait had the presence of mind to let us know why she might not do exactly what we wanted, immediately after we asked. You can't teach that type of customer service. You have to hire it. And you should reward it. Oakcrest Tavern, be proud of having hired Cait, and give...

Alright, so let me tell you about Oakcrest Tavern and their Friday night fish fry—it's seriously top-notch! This place has that classic Wisconsin neighborhood bar feel that makes you want to come back again and again. It's a tiny spot, so be ready to get all cozy with your neighbors, but that just adds to the charm, you know?

So, about the fish fry—they offer perch or cod. When the perch is done right it's just perfect. Tender and juuuuust slightly sweet and I don't know what they put in the tartar sauce, but it's the best I've had. Definitely a must-try if you’re around on a Friday night! And let me give you a heads up—it gets super busy. If you're not into waiting, I’d suggest rolling in early, like before 5 early.

The vibe is friendly and warm, and it seems like everyone's just there to have a good time and enjoy some great food. We chatted with some strangers while we waited for a table and it was really nice. It's not just about the fish fry, but the overall atmosphere really makes the experience memorable.

To sum it up, Oakcrest Tavern is the spot for a quintessential, casual, and utterly delicious...

You forget that you're literally feet from one of the busiest streets in Madison here. The ambience is small, up north supper club, and the staff are right out of central casting in a good way. The staff all worked their collective tails off, cooking, taking orders, and barkeeping while still managing to be funny, efficient, and attentive.

The fryers and food are made very close to one side of the bar. Sitting there, my friend and I never got too warm or even threatened with oil splatter. The food making process is front and center, and the show is worth it.

The food itself? Excellent. Amazing. I had a z reuben with generous corned beef sliced perfectly on toasted kraut, cheese, and thousand island. If I had to nitpick, I'd ask for a beefier rye bread option, but the bread provided suffered no shortcomings.

The fries and burgers were great according to my daughter.

My wife and friend each enjoyed their Wednesday night fish fry. Yup that's right. This isn't a country club in Bumfallo County, this is the Oakcrest Tavern and they do a proper fish fry several nights a week.

This is gonna be my new...